Mint during pregnancy: is it possible or not?

2024 Author: Priscilla Miln | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 00:21

Having learned about their situation, pregnant women differently consider their own habits and taste preferences. For example, if earlier a cup of fragrant mint tea brought a unique pleasure, today it makes you think about whether it is useful. It is worth figuring out if mint is dangerous during pregnancy.

Description of the plant

There are 25 varieties of mint in the world, but peppermint is the most common in our latitudes. It is used as a spice, herbal flavoring and medicinal plant. Leaves, flowers and shoots of peppermint are used, as they have the same beneficial properties.

The whole value of mint lies in the unique composition of the essential oil (menthol). It is at the moment of reaching the maximum concentration of menthol in the plant that the peak of the content of useful substances in mint occurs.

In industry, the crop is harvested when the concentration of essential oil reaches 2.5-6.0% of the mass of plant raw materials, because if harvested prematurely, mint will lose not only its usefulproperties, but also that unique aroma.

Composition

Before drawing conclusions about the benefits of mint during pregnancy, it is necessary to consider its nutritional and vitamin composition. After all, it is thanks to him that she is an indispensable ingredient in many medicines.

Nutritional value per 100g of product:

• proteins - 3.75g;
• carbs - 6.89g;
• fats - 0.94g.

Energy value - 70 kcal/293 J.

Since mint is not eaten in its pure form, its nutritional value occupies a small share in the composition of the entire product in which it is included. At the same time, it carries a lot of unique properties due to its vitamin composition. Peppermint essential oil contains:

• Vitamins: A, B1-B3, B6, B9, C and PP.
• Macronutrients: K (potassium), Mg (magnesium), Ca (calcium), P (phosphorus), Na (sodium).
• Trace elements: Mn (manganese), Cu (copper), Zn (zinc), Fe (iron).

Also mint is rich in dietary fiber, mineral s alts and valuable organic acids. But, despite the extensive list of useful substances, the question of whether mint can be used during pregnancy remains open.

Mint: benefits during pregnancy

There is a lot of controversy among obstetricians and gynecologists about the use of mint during pregnancy. Adherents of this plant reinforce their position with its beneficial properties that cannot be disputed. She has:

• anti-inflammatory;
• painkillers;
• antiseptic;
• diuretic;
• vasodilating;
• calming effect.

In addition, mint has a plant origin, which also speaks in its favor. Therefore, many use it as an alternative to synthetic medicines.

In medical practice, mint is prescribed for:

• insomnia;
• hyperexcitability;
• nervousness;
• chronic gastritis;
• problems in the intestines, expressed by constipation and flatulence;
• toxicosis;
• tendency to edema.

Also, women use mint during pregnancy and for cosmetic purposes. The fact is that it has a beneficial effect on the condition of the skin. Therefore, mint is an excellent remedy in the fight against acne and skin pigmentation.

Harm mint during pregnancy

Having learned the beneficial properties of mint, it's too early to go to brew tea. Many women at the gynecologist's appointment ask the question of whether it is possible to drink mint during pregnancy, and receive a categorical "no" in response. And the doctor's fears are justified.

Mint is a high estrogen plant. This substance can cause unplanned uterine contractions, which can cause premature birth. Therefore, mint during early pregnancy is strictly prohibited.

Another danger of this plant is the risk of an allergic reaction. This is especially true of essential oils, in which a high concentration of menthol. This can cause unwanted rashes, swelling and other body reactions to the allergen.

Butif no allergy to the plant has been identified, and the gestational age is 39-40 weeks, then the categoricalness of doctors does not go away due to a wide list of contraindications. Therefore, mint during late pregnancy cannot be used as a herbal labor stimulant.

Contraindications

Like any medicinal plant, mint has a number of contraindications that limit the circle of people who can use it. If a pregnant woman has at least one of the listed diseases, she is strictly forbidden to use mint, even in small doses.

The list of contraindications includes:

• hypotension;
• uterine hypertonicity;
• liver disease;
• problems and pathologies of the gallbladder;
• kidney inflammation;
• high risk of allergic reaction.

Some experts say that mint can negatively affect the functioning of the mammary glands. Therefore, in order to prevent problems with breastfeeding, the plant is not recommended for use in late pregnancy and during the formation of lactation.

To be completely sure that you can drink mint during pregnancy, you should definitely consult your gynecologist. Only he can give individual advice on the use of any medicinal plant, which includes mint.

How to use

Peppermint is most often added to teas, decoctions and infusions. There are many products on the market today that already containmint extract. However, you can cook it yourself by buying raw materials at a pharmacy. Especially handy are packaged mint teas, which only need to be filled with hot boiled water.

Regulations for the use of mint during pregnancy:

1. Do not abuse products containing mint. The optimal amount is 3-4 doses per day. Moreover, the concentration of menthol in drinks or food should be minimal.
2. Peppermint teas and infusions are best taken just before bedtime. Because they have a relaxing and calming effect.
3. After a three-month course, you need to stop taking mint for a while.

Mint tea during pregnancy: preparation method

In order for dry mint leaves to give all their benefits to the brewed drink, it must be properly prepared. To do this, you need to take 1 tea bag and pour it with hot boiled water (not boiling!). If non-metered raw materials are used for preparation, then a standard cup of 250 ml accounts for 1 tbsp. teaspoon tea leaves or 4 peppermint leaves.

Mint tea is brewed under the lid for about 5-10 minutes, after which the product is ready to drink. Additionally, you can add sugar, lemon or honey. The prepared tea can be drunk both hot and cold.

Mint infusions

Mint infusions are used mainly for cosmetic purposes. As mentioned earlier, mint has a beneficial effect on the skin and solves many aesthetic problems that appear during childbearing. Therefore, when acne, age spots, peeling and inflammation appear, folk healers advise using mint infusions.

To prepare 1 serving of infusion, you need to take 1 tbsp. a spoonful of crushed mint leaves or flowers and pour 150 ml of hot water over it. After the infusion has completely cooled down, it must be filtered from tea leaves and poured into a clean container.

Problem areas are rubbed with prepared infusion 3-4 times a day. It can be not only the face, but also the neck, arms, shoulders. However, before the first use, it is recommended to lubricate the back of the hand with infusion and monitor the skin reaction for allergies. If after a day there is no redness, itching, burning or rash, you can use mint decoction for daily skin care.